'But is the Western hero as much a myth as the noble savage of folk collectors?'

Oh I think so Richard, in the same way as the pirates in Treasure Island were a confection for a Victorian boys magazine - rather than bloodthirsty rapists and torturers.


Similarly a quick research into te known facts about Dick Turpin reveal a rather nasty piece of work.

I do seem to detect signs of gallantry and decency in the character of John Dillinger. Certainly not a natural born killer, like some of the men he ran with - later in his career at least.